Turning on the lights and the festive fair

The festive program in Ljubljana begins on Friday, 1 December. This year, the holiday lighting is designed by Zmago Modic and builds on the unique concept of previous years. On the same day, a festive fair will open on Breg, Prešernov trg, Pogačarev trg, Kongresni trg, and Cankarjevo nabrežje and Gallusovo nabrežje which, in December, become the centre of the social events. Visitors will be able to walk among the festive booths, which offer original products and gifts, as well as the catering booths that are particularly popular among the locals. The festive fair will be open until 2 January 2018 and the catering booths until 7 January.

Arrival of St Nicholas

On Sunday, 3 December, the four day St Nicolas Fair begins on Prešernov trg. The festively decorated stalls will offer traditional gifts for St Nicholas. On Tuesday, 5 December, St Nicholas will arrive in Krekov trg, from the castle hill and parade with the devil and the angels who will cycle all the way to Prešerenov trg where the good man will address visitors.

Nativity scene of straw

From 1 December to 7 January, at Breg in front of the Zois Palace, there will be a nativity scene made from straw. The unique, hand-made work is by amateur artist, Anton Kravanja. The nativity scene is special because all the figures are life size.

Magic forest in Zvezda park

From 3 to 23 December, Zvezda park will be transformed into a Magic Forest. Every afternoon there will be creative workshops for children who will create nature-friendly New Year's ornaments.

Ice fantasy at Kongresni trg

At Kongresni trg, from 25 November through to 7 January, visitors will be able to enjoy more than 2,000m2 of ice rink, the "Ice fantasy". For children up to the age of six, entry is free. At the ice rink there will be an entertainment program and accompanying catering offer.

Guided tours of festive Ljubljana and a holiday boat ride

Regular guided city tours will also have a festive note in December. From 1 December to 7 January, it will be possible to experience a fairytale Ljubljana, every day at 5pm, from the Tourist Information Center at Adamič Lundrovsko nabrežje 2. A truly special experience will be to view festively decorated Ljubljana from one of the tourist boats. Cruises last half an hour with a glass of mulled wine or tea included in the price. Boat rides will be available until 2 January 2018.

Christmas concert and New Year's Eve celebrations

The traditional Christmas concert will be a special experience, in the heart of festively decorated Ljubljana at Mestni trg, on 24 December at 5pm. The peak of the festive events will be the mass celebration on the streets and squares in the centre of the city - at Kongresni trg, Mestni trg, Pogačarjev trg and French Revolution Square.